COLORADO SPRINGS — Prosecutors say the case against a Fort Carson officer accused of preying on young girls in El Paso County and Alabama has been fortified with new evidence: DNA linking him to victims in both states.

First Lt. Aaron Lucas — an artillery officer who received the Bronze Star for service in Afghanistan — is suspected of luring or trying to lure at least 15 young girls into his vehicle in El Paso County since 2009, authorities have said.

At least two girls were sexually assaulted in Colorado Springs, according to previously filed charges, though court records are under seal and few other details have been released.